Immigrants vs. Illegal Immigrants

            This is another example of why words matter. Today you see a lot of rallies across America (maybe, maybe not, seems like everyone is getting tired of this stuff) for immigrants and immigrant rights. If you accept this idea then you are starting the debate off by giving away the high ground.

            First the problem comes with the use of the word immigrant. What the people at the rallies really mean by the word immigrant is illegal immigrant. You must never just let this go, it is being done on purpose and at your expense. They are trying to set you up to look like the bad guy and are being very subtle about it. So if you find yourself in a conversation about this then you must make a clear distinction between illegal immigrant and an immigrant. Sometime this will take all the bluster out of whoever is trying to shame you on being a racist or whatever but if they continue to push you need to push back. Most people have no problem with legal immigration. Sure there are a few people out there who don’t like all immigrants but lucky for us they are not in positions of power and are few and far between.

            Secondly they are saying the want immigrant rights. Other than holding the office of the presidency there are few rights that immigrants don’t have. If you come here legally and become a US citizen that you have all the rights of someone born in this country. People will try to use the word ‘rights’ as a way to make immigrants seem oppressed. They will tell you that immigrants cannot get a driver’s license and cannot vote as well as cannot get housing and probably try to tell you they are being killed for no other reason than they are immigrants. If only they could have rights and laws we could end the immigrant holocaust. Okay that is a little extreme but they will try a lot of things to make you look like the bad guy. Stand firm and do not let them hit you with the word rights. Immigrants who are legal US citizens have all the same rights as native US citizens. Again they are talking about illegal immigrants, do not give them the high ground.

            Instead you need to take the high ground right away. A statement like, “Immigrants are fine as long as they come legally and want to share in our values and way of life.” This will establish your point of view as well as say you don’t mind immigration but everyone needs to follow the law. Remember to state this calmly and clearly, it does not help to get overly excited or angry. You want the person you are debating to look like the crazy person, so do not get too emotional. It is easy to stay calm for a while and the people that are at these rallies tend to be very emotional people so just hold out and they will break. You are an individual with your own opinions but you are not alone in this. If someone engages you calmly, feel free to engage in debate with them. You’ll usually find that these people want the laws on immigration made easier and that you’ll have a lot in common with them.

            Remember, words matter, so select yours wisely. Do not let others set the narrative or try to confuse the problem by purposely using the wrong words to make you out to be the bad guy. Do not shy away from the word rights and challenge people on the specifics. Stay calm and let the people at these rallies meltdown while you look like a sane rational person. Immigrants are very different from illegal immigrants so do not be bullied by people trying to make you out to be someone you are not just to push their own agenda. Bravely stand up, speak freely, and stay strong.